ly to find oneself inundated with--say six or
eight _billets doux_.

The "Vigilant" was only a few hours behind us; and after giving us our
mail she left for Foo-chow, with the admiral and captain on board.

That night we rode out a very stiff gale. The seas were so heavy that
all ports had to be barred in, and even then, such was the violence of
the storm that water was occasionally shipped through the upper battery
ports. From the manner in which the cable "surged" and bumbed, it was
deemed expedient to let go a second anchor, and to get up steam; for in
the event of the wind chopping around--nothing more likely--we should be
on a dead lee shore, and our only alternative to slip and go to sea.
Still the gale increased, and still the one anchor and cable held. How
the wind did howl and screech through our cordage! This lasted for over
two days. On the third day the "Moorhen" came down from Foo-chow with
our captain; and as there was still a big lump of a sea on, she capered
about in the lively manner peculiar to gun vessels.

April 21st.--We rounded the Shun-tung promontory in a thick fog, groped
our way towards Chefoo in the same hazy atmosphere, and picked up our
anchorage in nearly the same spot as last year, glad enough to get in
anywhere out of such dangerous weather.

The cutter's crew of the "Pegasus," a day or two after our arrival,
reminded us of a challenge they had previously thrown out, to pull any
boat of similar size in our ship for forty-five dollars. Accordingly,
one fine afternoon when the sea was as smooth as a pond, and on the
occasion of a dance given by our officers, the contest came off.
Contrary to the expectations of most, our boat beat almost without an
effort. That same evening the "Lily's," with more pluck than discretion,
tossed their oars under our bows. Well, like a great good-tempered
Newfoundland dog, we can stand a deal of snapping at from insignificant
puppies, but when at length their attacks begin to get acrimonious, we
rise, and shake our shaggy coat; and in salt water language "_go_" for
the torments. Thus we "_went_" for the "Lily's," beat them, and pocketed
thirty-six dollars more.

On the arrival of the admiral a court-martial was held on a marine, of
the "Mosquito," for insubordination. I mention this because of the
extreme sentence of the court--twenty-five lashes with the "cat." The
admiral, though, came to the rescue, and with mercy seasoned justice,
for he refused to s